How to Correctly Interpret Science Fiction: Essential Tips to Avoid Misunderstanding

A scene from 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers' featuring Saruman

The Infamous Saruman with His Palantir in ‘The Lord of the Rings’

Landmark Media/Alamy

As we embark on the Gregorian New Year, it’s an ideal moment to ponder the future ahead. Will we harness CRISPR to engineer wings? Are we on the verge of uploading human consciousness to the Amazon cloud? Will we encase the sun in a Dyson Sphere? For those passionate about science and engineering, science fiction serves as the canvas for exploring these questions. However, many are misinterpreting these futuristic visions.

As a science journalist and a sci-fi author, I offer a year-end guide to help you avoid misconceptions in reading science fiction. It’s crucial, as our civilization’s trajectory may depend on it.

There are two main ways in which science fiction is often misunderstood. We start with the first issue known as the “Torment Nexus problem,” a term that emerged from a humorous social media post by satirist Alex Breckman. In 2021, he tweeted:

“Science fiction writer: In my narrative, I created the Torment Nexus as a cautionary concept.

Tech Company: We’ve successfully built a Torment Nexus based on the classic sci-fi narrative, ‘Don’t Create a Torment Nexus.’

This encapsulates the Torment Nexus problem, which arises when individuals focus solely on futuristic tech depicted in science fiction, neglecting the core message of the narrative.

As a consequence, billionaires like Peter Thiel have contributed to ventures like Palantir, a surveillance and data analytics company, named after the “Seeing Stone” in The Lord of the Rings. Rather than being a tool of utility, it typically leads its users towards perilous and unethical paths. Its technology has been employed by various military operations, including IDF actions in Gaza. The implications of this are troubling.

Less severe yet still noteworthy examples include Mark Zuckerberg’s rebranding of Facebook to Meta, influenced by Neal Stephenson’s Snow Crash, which showcased a metaverse that is far from desirable. This virtual realm is portrayed as a corporate battleground that propagates mind-altering viruses.


Zuckerberg and Thiel are blind to the fact that both Palantir and the Metaverse pose significant threats to human cognition.

It’s apparent that Thiel and Zuckerberg aimed to bring their fictional technologies to life but tragically misinterpreted their underlying messages.

The second pervasive misunderstanding in science fiction is often termed the “Blueprint problem.” This assumption presumes that science fiction serves as an accurate forecast for the future, and by mimicking these fictional outcomes, we can assure a prosperous tomorrow.

The Blueprint problem significantly influenced early space exploration initiatives, which prioritized human travel over robotic missions. Pop culture icons like Flash Gordon and the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs propagated images of humans colonizing distant planets. Today, robotic missions are yielding unprecedented discoveries on Mars while media outlets are fixated on celebrity space travels.

The immense expectations for AI technologies can also be traced back to the Blueprint problem. Countless narratives have portrayed AI as servants and experts, creating an inevitable perception of their arrival, which is far from reality.

Ultimately, science fiction is not a literal roadmap, recipe, or prescription. It embodies a worldview that encourages us to challenge the status quo. This perspective has inspired my latest anthology, We Will Rise Again, co-edited with Karen Lord and Malka Older, offering stories that aim to reshape our perceptions of societal progression. In our collection, the future is fluid, molded by human agency.

As we delve deeper into this understanding, the complexities of our contemporary world reveal themselves. Why do we engineer machines for menial tasks? Why adhere to arbitrary national borders? Why limit gender to two fixed categories? These questions capture the essence of science fiction, serving as gateways into new realms of possibility.

To forge a better future, it’s essential to transcend mere imitation of fictional narratives. Instead, we must cultivate our own visions of what could be.

Annalee Newitz, a science journalist and author, presents their latest work, *Automatic Noodle*. They co-host the Hugo Award-winning podcast *Our Opinions Are Correct* and can be followed on Twitter @annaleen. Their website is: techsploitation.com


What I Am Reading
404 Media offers compelling investigative technology journalism.

What I See
A delightful Canadian LGBTQ+ ice hockey romance series.

What I Am Working On
Organizing a European tour for the science fiction anthology *We Will Rise Again*.

Topics:

  • Technology/
  • Science Fiction

Source: www.newscientist.com

Meet the AI Workers Who Advise Friends and Family to Avoid AI

KLista Pawlowski recalls a pivotal moment that influenced her views on the ethics surrounding artificial intelligence. As a worker on Amazon Mechanical Turk, a platform where businesses hire individuals for tasks like data entry and validating AI outputs, Pawlowski dedicates her time to overseeing and assessing AI-generated text, images, and videos, along with fact-checking them.

Approximately two years ago, she accepted a job categorizing tweets as racist or not, working from her dining room table. When she encountered a tweet stating, “Listen to the Mooncricket song,” she nearly clicked “no” before researching the term “Mooncricket,” only to discover it was a racial slur against Black Americans.

“I sat there contemplating how many times I might have made the same error without realizing it,” Pawlowski reflected.

The possible enormity of her own mistakes, alongside those of countless other workers like her, plunged Ms. Pawlowski into a troubling contemplation. How many others have unwittingly overlooked offensive content or worse, permitted it?

After years of observing the inner workings of AI systems, Pawlowski has made a personal decision to refrain from using generative AI products, and she has advised her family to do the same.

“In my house, it’s off-limits,” Pawlowski said regarding her teenage daughter’s use of tools like ChatGPT. When meeting people socially, she encourages them to question AI about topics they are knowledgeable about. This way, they can identify AI’s inaccuracies and appreciate how fallible the technology is. Each time Pawlowski looks at a new set of tasks available on the Mechanical Turk platform, she wonders if her actions might inadvertently harm others, and her answer is consistently “yes.”

Amazon stated that employees have the discretion to select tasks and can review task details prior to accepting them. According to Amazon, requesters define the specifics for tasks, including estimated time, payment, and instruction level.

“Amazon Mechanical Turk serves as a marketplace connecting businesses and researchers, known as requesters, with workers who perform online tasks, including labeling images, answering surveys, transcribing text, and reviewing AI outputs,” explained Amazon spokesperson Montana McLachlan.

Pawlowski isn’t alone. Twelve AI evaluators, responsible for verifying the accuracy and reasoning behind AI responses, reported to the Guardian that after recognizing the inaccuracies in chatbots and image generators, they began to caution friends and family against using generative AI altogether, or at least advised them to adopt a cautious approach. These evaluators work with various AI models, including Google’s Gemini, Elon Musk’s Grok, and other popular technologies, including some lesser-known bots.

One evaluator from Google, who assesses responses generated by Google Search’s AI summaries, noted that the company aims to minimize AI usage whenever possible. She expressed concern about the organization’s handling of AI responses to health-related queries and requested anonymity to avoid professional backlash. She observed that colleagues assessed AI-generated medical responses without critical evaluation and that she herself had to evaluate such queries despite lacking medical qualifications.

At home, she restricts her 10-year-old daughter from using chatbots. “Without critical thinking skills, she won’t be able to determine if the information is valid,” the evaluator stated.

“Ratings represent just one of many aggregated data points that inform us about our systems’ performance, but they do not directly affect our algorithms or models,” Google clarified in a statement. “We have implemented comprehensive safeguards to ensure that high-quality information is provided across our products.”

Bot watchers raise concerns

These individuals constitute a global workforce of tens of thousands dedicated to making chatbots more human-like. While assessing AI’s responses, they strive to prevent the dissemination of incorrect or harmful information.

However, when those ensuring AI appears credible have the least trust in it, experts suggest that’s indicative of a more substantial issue.

“This suggests a tendency to prioritize product launch and scaling over thorough testing, and that the feedback from evaluators is often disregarded,” said Alex Mahadevan, director of MediaWise at Poynter, a program focused on media literacy. “So, if you observe the finalized versions of chatbots, expect to encounter similar mistakes. This can be troubling for the general public increasingly looking toward LLMs for news and information.”

AI professionals express skepticism toward the models they work with because they often prioritize fast turnaround times over quality. Brook Hansen, an AI worker at Amazon Mechanical Turk, conveyed that while she does not trust generative AI conceptually, she also holds reservations about the organizations creating and implementing these tools. A significant turning point for her was realizing how little support is provided to those training these systems.

“We are expected to enhance the model, but often face vague or insufficient instructions, little training, and unrealistic deadlines,” stated Hansen, who has been involved in data work since 2010 and contributed to training some of Silicon Valley’s leading AI models. “If employees lack the necessary information, resources, and time, how can the results be safe, accurate, or ethical? The disparity between expectations and the actual support provided is a clear indication that companies prioritize speed and profit over responsibility and quality.”

Experts point out a fundamental flaw in generative AI: an inability to refrain from providing answers when none are available, often delivering false information assuredly. A NewsGuard audit of the top ten generative AI models, including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI, found that non-response rates dropped from 31% in August 2024 to 0% in August 2025. Simultaneously, these chatbots were found to be more likely to disseminate misinformation, with the rate nearly doubling from 18% to 35%. None of the companies responded to NewsGuard’s request for comment at that time.

“I don’t have any faith in the accuracy of the bot. [It] lacks ethical integrity,” said another Google AI evaluator, who sought anonymity due to a non-disclosure agreement with the contracting firm, echoing sentiments from another evaluator who warned against using AI, particularly in sensitive medical or ethical matters. “This is not an ethical robot.” It is merely a robot.

Skip past newsletter promotions

“We joke about [chatbots] wishing we could get them to stop falsifying information,” remarked an AI trainer who has worked with Gemini, ChatGPT, and Grok, requesting anonymity due to a non-disclosure agreement.

“Garbage in, garbage out.”

Another AI evaluator, beginning their assessment of Google’s products in early 2024, found themselves doubting the AI’s credibility after six months. Tasked with identifying the model’s limitations, they had to pose various questions to Google’s AI.

“I probed into Palestinian history, but regardless of how I rephrased my questions, I received no answers,” remembered this individual, who preferred to remain anonymous due to a non-disclosure agreement. “When asking about Israeli history, however, the AI readily provided extensive information. We reported this inconsistency, but Google seemed uninterested.” Google did not issue a statement regarding the matter when specifically questioned.

For this Google employee, the primary concern lies in the quality of feedback given to AI models by evaluators like them. “After witnessing the poor quality of data intended for training the model, I realized it was utterly impossible to train it effectively under such conditions,” they noted, employing the phrase “garbage in, garbage out.” This programming principle illustrates that poor or incomplete data inputs inevitably lead to faulty outputs.

This evaluator mentioned they refrain from using generative AI and actively advise friends and family against purchasing new phones with integrated AI, urging them to resist automatic updates that incorporate AI, and to withhold personal information from AI.

Fragile, not futuristic

Whenever discussions of AI arise, Hansen reminds her audience that AI isn’t magical, emphasizing the invisible workforce supporting it, the unreliability of its information, and its negative environmental impacts.

“When you analyze how these systems are constructed—considering biases, expedited timelines, and constant compromises—you cease to see AI as an advancement and begin viewing it as fragile,” explained Adio Dinica, who studies the workforce behind AI at the Decentralized AI Institute, reflecting on the people working behind the scenes. “In my experience, those fascinated by AI are typically those who lack a deep understanding of it.”

The AI workers who spoke with the Guardian expressed a commitment to making better choices and raising awareness among their communities, particularly emphasizing that, per Hansen, AI “doesn’t guarantee the best information; the value lies in those working with the AI.” She and Pawlowski presented at the Michigan School Boards Association spring conference in May, engaging with a room filled with school board members and administrators from across the state, discussing the ethical and environmental ramifications of artificial intelligence, aspiring to foster dialogue.

“Many attendees had never considered the human labor and environmental costs associated with AI, so they were astonished by our insights,” Hansen revealed. “While some appreciated the perspective, others pushed back, claiming we were being ‘hopeless and bleak’ about a technology they deemed exciting and filled with potential.”

Pawlowski compares AI ethics to that of the textile industry. In an era when consumers were unaware of how inexpensive clothing was produced, they were pleased to find bargains. However, as stories of sweatshops emerged, consumers learned they had choices and responsibilities. She believes a similar awakening is necessary in the AI sector.

“Where does the data originate? Is this model developed from piracy? Were the contributors fairly compensated for their efforts?” she questioned. “Often, the truth remains obscure to the public, as we are only beginning to inquire. But change is feasible if we persist in questioning and advocating for better practices, analogous to the textile industry.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Q: Will Phone Cheating Spoil Pub Quizzes? A: Avoid These Questionable Practices

Who is the elder, Gary Numan or Gary Oldman? If you know the answer (which you can find below), you’re likely among the many Brits participating in weekly pub quizzes.

As a nation passionate about trivia, it was no surprise that we reacted promptly to the news: Manchester quizmaster reveals team cheating. One wonders, what special place in hell awaits quiz players who sneak a peek at their phones under the table?

According to the BBC, a “huge investigation” followed after the landlord of Barking Dog in Urmston disclosed that cheaters were whispering questions into his smartphone, although he chose not to identify them.

Some quizmasters argue that this behavior is increasingly tarnishing one of the nation’s beloved pastimes.

Quizmaster David Hartley, 33, from Staffordshire, expressed: “I definitely believe there’s increased use of smartwatches, in particular. Even without a phone in hand, there are still ways to cheat.”

He has been running quizzes at four venues for nearly a decade and instituted a ban on devices about two years ago. “If you’re just on your phone, it takes the fun away from the quiz master,” he remarked.

David Moyes, landlord and quizmaster at Cambridge’s Alma School, mentioned he had to expel a group of students who won suspiciously. He became wary after a weak team suddenly played a “joker” that doubled their points when they accurately answered all questions.

“There was no concrete proof. But later, one of them returned and handed over some money, admitting, ‘Oh, we cheated,'” Moyes recounted.

“The guilt was so overwhelming that he must have felt compelled to return his share. The others didn’t, so he probably slept more soundly than the rest.”


To combat cheating, some pubs are employing high-tech solutions, like smartphone quizzes where participants input their answers directly. If you stray from the dedicated quiz app, you’ll lose points.

The SpeedQuizzing app aims to deter “cheaters and scammers” by allowing just 10 seconds to submit answers per question, in an effort to revive what it calls a “once proud British tradition”.

Others prefer traditional measures. Marcus Berkman, who has competed over 200 times and now crafts quizzes, noted that the quizzes at Prince of Wales, in Highgate, north London, were tightening enforcement against cheating.

“We are very strict with cheaters, so no one cheats,” he insisted. “The regulars would rather endure anything than cheat.”

“Sometimes we remind players: ‘We’re testing what you know, not what you can look up,’ and participants typically cooperate.”

The exact origins of the pub quiz remain somewhat unclear, but it gained traction in the 1970s, thanks to Sharon Burns and Tom Porter. Burns & Porter provided ready-made quizzes to attract patrons on quieter nights.


Today, pub quizzes in Britain continue to be a serious affair; just like the great British pastime of drinking, getting answers right also matters. A recent study by brewer Greene King revealed that 70% of people frequently take part in pub quizzes, with nearly one in ten doing so weekly.

Quizmasters often wish to return to the simpler days of Burns and Porter, yet they can find solace knowing that their predecessors faced similar cheating troubles.

Gail Taylor, for instance, responded to an inquiry from the Guardian this week, sharing a tale from her youth in a Sheffield pub during the 1980s.

Taylor explained how she rigged a basic eavesdropping device under a table to transmit questions to a friend with an encyclopedia stationed in a van outside.

The Guardian could not independently confirm her account, but she stands by it. “Things always went awry,” Taylor recounted. “If the signal failed, we’d scribble down questions and dash to the van with two pints and a list. Then someone else would retrieve the answers. No one seemed to grasp what we were doing.”

Reflecting on this caper over 30 years later, Taylor feels no regret. “Back then, we didn’t have Google, so we couldn’t win anything anyway,” she adds. “I have no guilt about it, and I would do the same tomorrow if given the chance.”

Answer: Gary Numan He is 13 days older than Gary Oldman.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Why I Avoid Dating People Who Rely on ChatGPT: A Sign of Laziness?

It was the perfect backdrop for a Nancy Meyers film. We found ourselves at a friend’s rehearsal dinner in Oregon’s wine country, nestled in a rustic-chic barn that exuded a subtle sense of luxury. “This venue is amazing,” I said to the groom-to-be. He leaned in as if to share a secret: “Found it on ChatGPT.”

The Guardian’s journalism remains independent. If you purchase something through an affiliate link, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

As he explained that he had incorporated generative AI into the early stages of his wedding planning, a smile crept onto my face. (They also hired a human wedding planner.) They were attentive, yet I realized that if my future partner approached me with wedding suggestions from ChatGPT, the wedding would be off.

Many have non-negotiable preferences in relationships. I don’t smoke, I love cats, and I wish to have children. With recent warnings about the impending AI crisis dominating my newsfeed and conversations, I formulated a new boundary: I won’t date anyone who uses ChatGPT. (To be fair, it could refer to any generative AI, but with 700 million weekly users, ChatGPT is my primary target.)

I’ve heard all the hypothetical scenarios. I use it in my professional life, but what lies beyond? What if it benefits others? What if you just want to utilize it as a proofing tool? Personally, I never use it to “write” anything. I believe there are people out there who can genuinely assist you, but I’m not one of them.

The phrase “feeling sick” signifies being turned off. Sometimes, we encounter behaviors that irk us—like the time I felt nauseated watching a man sip a smoothie through a straw. Initially, my distaste for ChatGPT seemed trivial, a baseless detestation.

Now, in the fall of 2025, using this program for even mundane tasks like crafting a fitness plan or selecting an outfit feels increasingly like a political statement. We’re aware that energy-consuming technologies drain water supplies and escalate electricity costs. It’s marketed as a helper for building relationships, yet isolated individuals are forging connections with algorithms instead of people—a current reality, not just a plot for sci-fi. The tech moguls spearheading this shift prioritize profit over humanity.

Sure, ChatGPT can help draft a shopping list. But does your convenience surpass the potential social repercussions?

As if that weren’t enough, ChatGPT has somehow exacerbated the dating scene. A good friend shared a recent experience where, after spending the night with a guy, she suggested breakfast. He pulled out his phone, opened ChatGPT, and asked for restaurant recommendations. Why would anyone want to date someone who offloads decision-making—especially for something as enjoyable as choosing a place to eat? If they’re too lazy to plan a first date with ChatGPT, how little effort will they expend in six months?

It’s hard to envision a deep, meaningful relationship with someone who frequently engages with technology that erodes our focus and possibly hints at our ultimate downfall. Intellectual curiosity, creativity, originality—if you equate productivity with an app summarizing a movie to save time, we likely don’t share the same values.

Ali Jackson, a New York-based dating coach, uses ChatGPT for some tasks but isn’t an advocate. Over the past six months, she notes many clients have expressed frustration with “chat phishing” and the use of AI-generated content even for dating apps. When I questioned Jackson about my critiques of ChatGPT users, she replied, “No, you can set your own boundaries, but that might limit your dating pool.” Approximately 10% of adults currently use this technology.

“Ask yourself if your preferences truly align with your long-term aspirations,” advises Jackson. “In your situation, I believe this could reflect a core value. It’s crucial to find someone who resonates with your principles.”

People’s aversion to AI extends beyond dating. Ana Pereira, 26, a sound engineer in Brooklyn, fantasizes about disabling AI features on her phone, yet platforms like Google and Spotify make opting out nearly impossible. Pereira thinks using ChatGPT “indicates profound laziness.”

“You seem unable to think independently and rely on apps for help,” she remarked. Recently, two of her friends endured harsh breakups, and she supported one who turned to ChatGPT, a notoriously ineffective therapy, instead of their partner to express feelings. “They wanted to avoid uncomfortable emotions,” she stated. “However, processing emotions isn’t that simple.”

Luciano Noisine echoes a similar sentiment. Richard Burns, a 31-year-old marine biologist and restaurant server in Hawaii, is equally fatigued. “I’m not sure how I feel about people using ChatGPT, but my response would be, ‘Here we go.’ You don’t need to rely on it for a shopping list. Your life shouldn’t be that challenging. We can create one together.”

When director Guillermo del Toro declared he’d “rather die” than use generative AI, it grabbed attention, as did SZA’s harsh words about “environmental racism” and concerns over tech firms creating a “co-dependent” user base. Figures like Simu Liu and Emily Blunt have also criticized AI’s role in various industries. It’s no wonder such statements resonate with the public.

Even within the tech industry, nuances exist. Last month, Pinterest introduced filters that enable users to eliminate AI-generated content. Meta allows users to mute similar actions on Instagram, though it doesn’t disable it entirely. Reports have surfaced of some Silicon Valley engineers becoming more “cursor-resistant,” hesitant to rely on AI for coding.

Luciano Neusine, a principal software engineer based in Greece and the Netherlands, was once eager to use AI for coding assistance. However, he grew aware of his dependencies. “Before, I was just on autopilot,” said Noisine, 27. Recently, when planning a rendezvous with a friend three hours away by train, she suggested using ChatGPT to pick a meeting spot. “There’s a city right in between us,” he pointed out. “Why not just look at a map?”

I don’t intend to date a technology-dependent Luddite, but I aspire to lead a life unencumbered by ChatGPT’s influence. Recently, I declared this sentiment on my dating app profile, replying to Hinge’s prompt about what would disqualify a potential date with “You use ChatGPT for absolutely everything.” This clearly conveys my main points.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Psychologists Warn: The Phrases You Should Avoid After a Death (and What to Say Instead)

Experiencing bereavement is one of life’s toughest challenges. Offering love and support can truly make a significant impact, and it’s admirable to want to help those who are grieving.

Everyone’s sadness is unique, which complicates knowing what to say. In those raw moments, simply being present and offering your love and time may be the most valuable support you can provide.

Research indicates that empathizing with others can be more challenging than we realize. Avoid making assumptions about their feelings; instead, gently ask what they are experiencing.

If you’re uncertain whether they prefer solitude, give them an option. You might say, “Would you like me to come by later?” rather than simply texting, “Let me know how I can help.”

Since close relationships may benefit from practical support, offering to help with meals or tasks can be greatly appreciated. However, always provide an opt-out option, such as leaving food at the door instead of entering.

Additionally, prioritize emotional support over giving advice or trying to reframe the situation positively. Listen attentively to their feelings and what they need at that moment.

If appropriate, consider employing techniques related to “active listening.” For instance, paraphrasing or echoing their words can show that you genuinely understand their emotional state.

As time passes and if their emotional pain decreases, it might be suitable to transition to what psychologists refer to as “cognitive advice.”

This could involve helping them find constructive ways to express their sadness and discover hope, such as making positive changes to their routines.

We often think we understand someone else’s sadness, but research shows that isn’t always the case. Instead, it’s crucial to be curious, ask how they feel, and really listen – Credit: via Klaus Vedfelt

If the grieving person indicates they prefer solitude, don’t take that as a permanent preference. Make sure to check in regularly in a non-judgmental manner.

Reaching out occasionally can be incredibly meaningful, especially since it can be hard for them to re-engage.

Psychologists recommend expressing sadness as a helpful coping strategy, often best done with the support of others.

For instance, you might plan a memorial activity, reminisce about the loved one they’ve lost, commemorate a significant anniversary, or visit places that hold special memories.

So, when the time feels right, consider joining your friends and loved ones in commemorating and celebrating the lives of those they’ve lost.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Each person’s timeline for healing is unique.

However, if your loved one continues to struggle with their grief more than six months later, they may benefit from seeking professional help.


This article responds to the inquiry (Neil Myers, asked by Lincoln): “How should I talk to someone who just lost a loved one?”

Please email us to submit your questions Question @sciencefocus.com or Message Facebook, xor Instagram Page (don’t forget to include your name and location).

Check out our ultimate Fun fact More amazing science pages


read more:


Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Doctors Share Tips to Avoid “Ozempic Face”

Initially created to manage diabetes, the emergence of drugs like Ozempic has sparked a weight loss phenomenon.

As these medications gain popularity for individuals with high body mass index, a new cosmetic issue has emerged: “Ozempic Face.”

This term refers to the sagging and indentations in the face that some individuals encounter after significant weight loss. Whether through medication, diet, or lifestyle modifications, losing weight reduces fat in all body areas, including the face.

Facial fat is essential for providing structure, volume, and youthful contours. Its absence can lead to a sunken appearance, making the face seem older as skin may droop and wrinkles become more prominent.

This concern isn’t exclusive to weight loss medications; it also occurs with any form of rapid weight reduction. However, drugs like Ozempic tend to facilitate quicker weight loss, giving your body less time to adjust.

Avoiding this issue can be challenging, as the body doesn’t fully control fat loss locations, but there are methods to mitigate more drastic effects.

Gradually lose weight: Slow weight loss allows for a better adaptation period for skin changes, lessening the risk of noticeable sagging.

Maintain hydration: Staying hydrated enhances skin elasticity and helps maintain its shape as fat diminishes.

Nourish the skin: A solid skincare regimen, including moisturizers, may assist.

“Ozempic Face” refers to the sagging and hollowness that some experience after substantial weight loss.

Some online sources suggest that options like fillers, Botox, and other cosmetic treatments may help restore volume and lift in the face; however, these also carry risks and aren’t always effective.

Ultimately, weight loss aspirations—regardless of whether they’re achieved through medication or other methods—should prioritize health over mere aesthetics.

If you’re concerned about changes to your facial appearance, consult your doctor or dermatologist to discuss a balanced weight loss approach.


This article addresses your inquiry (you’ll receive an email from Asad Iravani) about the possibility of developing “Ozempic Face.”

Please email us to submit your questions Question @sciencefocus.com or Message Facebook, xor Instagram Page (remember to include your name and location).

Check out our ultimate Fun fact More incredible science pages


read more:


Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New Research Hints That Our Milky Way May Avoid Collision with Andromeda Galaxy

The Milky Way galaxy is often believed to be on a collision path with the neighboring Andromeda galaxy. This merger, anticipated roughly 5 billion years in the future, is expected to create a new elliptical galaxy. However, recent studies indicate that the likelihood of such a catastrophic event may be less than previously assumed.

These images depict three encounter scenarios between the Milky Way galaxy and the neighboring Andromeda galaxy. Top left: Messier 81 and Messier82. TopRight: NGC6786. BOTTOM: NGC 520. Image credits: NASA/ESA/STSCI/DSS/Till Sawala, Helsinki University/Joseph Depasquale, STSCI.

The Milky Way navigates through space, its trajectory affected by the gravitational forces from nearby galaxies, including Andromeda, Triangulum, and the Large Magellanic Cloud.

Consequently, prior studies have proposed for over a decade that the Milky Way is likely to collide with Andromeda, forming a new elliptical galaxy referred to as Milkomeda in about 5 billion years.

Dr. Thiru Sawara, an astronomer at the University of Helsinki, stated:

In their latest research, Dr. Sawara and colleagues utilized updated data from the ESA Gaia satellite and the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to model the Milky Way’s movement through space over the next 10 billion years, while also refining estimates of the masses of local galaxies.

They discovered that there is about a 50% chance that no collision will occur between the Milky Way and Andromeda during this time frame.

The authors suggest that previous analyses overlooked certain calculations and uncertainties, including the gravitational influence of the Large Magellanic Cloud (a smaller galaxy orbiting the Milky Way).

They also propose that a merger with the Magellanic Clouds is nearly certain within the next two billion years, prior to any potential interaction with Andromeda.

“Even with the latest and most precise observational data at hand, the future of local galaxy groups remains uncertain,” Dr. Sawara remarked.

“Interestingly, there are roughly equal probabilities of widely discussed merger scenarios or, conversely, scenarios where the Milky Way and Andromeda remain unaffected.”

The team’s findings will be featured this week in the journal Nature Astronomy.

____

T. Sawara et al. There is no certainty regarding the Milky Way and Andromeda collision. Nature Astronomy. Published online on June 2, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02563-1

Source: www.sci.news

Research suggests that female bonobos band together to avoid male aggression

woman Bonobos New research is discovering that they team up to find strength in numbers and combine them to dodge wild men.

With ChimpanzeesBonobo is one of the closest relatives of humans. Scientists have been wondering why bonobos live in general Women dominate Men are physically bigger and stronger, so they are social.

30 Years of Observation in the Congo – The only place where endangered bonobos are seen in the wild is to support the idea of ​​sisters who unite to assert their powers.

These groups of girls found women who ousted male bonobos out of the trees, secured food for themselves, and ranked them higher on the community’s social ladders, researchers found.

“It’s very clear not to step on as a male bonobo,” said Martin Sarbeck, Harvard research author.

The findings were published in the Journal Communications Biology on Thursday.

The combined number of female bonobos appears to change the tide to male fitness, Sarbeck said. This type of strategy allows women to get women to top the top in the Animal Kingdom. Find power in the group as well.

Female bonobos linked, even if they had no close relationships, supported each other against men, and solidified their social status. The observations show how female bonobos work together to protect themselves from male violence, bioanthropologist Laura Lewis said at the University of California, Berkeley.

The findings “support the idea that humans and our ancestors use coalitions to maintain and maintain power over millions of years,” Lewis, who was not involved in the study, said in an email.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

“9 valuable lessons I learned from TikTok, including how to avoid stale potato chips” | TikTok

The average TikTok user is approximately 1 hour every day on the app. However, the app is set to be banned in the US, and US users' screen time is about to decline rapidly.

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal against a law banning social media platforms, citing national security concerns. TikTok's China-based parent company ByteDance had challenged the law, arguing that it violated free speech protections for its more than 170 million users in the United States. But the ruling was upheld by a unanimous vote, requiring the app to find an approved buyer for the U.S. version by Sunday or be blocked. Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden has said he has no intention of enforcing the ban, instead deferring to that decision. President-elect Donald Trump's administration. While there are rumors that the ban may still be thwarted, a major U.S. exodus has already begun as users flock to alternative Chinese video-sharing app Red Note.

many Users have been Post a “Farewell TikTok” video. The app was first released in the US in 2016. Some of them satirize or mock national security concerns as users bid farewell to “China's personal spies.” Others are more heartfelt, such as a video montage of a teenager turning 18 or a newborn puppy growing into a white-haired dog. Many comments said, “I grew up with this app.”

But that is“What I learned on TikTok that changed my life” video that is the most attractive. While social media is regularly criticized for spreading fake news and harming mental health, these videos show there is a more positive side, at least for some people.

When life gives you lemons… Photo: TikTok

one video by Brigitte Muller piled up Over 1 million views. Her advantage is to use a yoga mat underneath sofa Use cushions to prevent them from slipping off, spray vodka on vintage clothing, etc. Gets rid of musty odor. Thousands of users flocked to the comments section to learn everything from recognizing the characteristics of neurodivergence to making jammy eggs. Some people describe TikTok as the parent or grandmother they never had.

So, in honor of TikTok's final hours (at least in the US), I'm sharing nine of my own favorite lessons.

1. Always roll limes and lemons before squeezing them to maximize the amount of juice. I also ditched the glass lemon squeezer and replaced it with a fork.

2. I envy those houses. architectural digest Does your sofa always seem to have fluffy cushions instead of squishy ones? The secret is Purchase a cushion insert that is 2 inches larger than the cover.

3. To prevent the cutting board from slipping, put a wet tea towel down. And somehow Place a damp kitchen towel next to the onion. meanwhile Chopping stops the eye streaming.

4. You are tying the dressing gown incorrectly. Remove the tie and rethread it through the loop so that it hangs in front of you. after that Instead of tying it at the back, Pull the ends together at the front and voila! It will not open unexpectedly again.

Let's tie…the correct way to tie a dressing gown. Photo: TikTok

5. A former American POW tells us How to keep a bag of potato chips fresh without using rubber bands or clips. TLift the bag and fold the two corners so that the top forms a triangle. Next, roll the other side under and curl it completely, creating two “pockets” on the other side. Turn it over and keep it in place Clips are never stale again.

6. Instead Do you leave your cosmetics scattered near the sink? I dumped my bag by the front door when I entered the house and now follow this mantra: “Don’t put it down, please put it away.” IIf you use something and then immediately put it back in its original place, No need to organize it later.

7. How to use Turntable – aka Lazy Susan – Storing spices means they don’t have to be rooted deep in the back of your cupboard That particular seasoning seemed like I would never find it.

Say cheese…turn the grater sideways. Photo: TikTok

8. Turn the box mold to make it easier to grate the cheese. put the grater aside. The same goes for can openers. put it on top of the canrather than using it from the side. Stops sharp and jagged edges.

9. Hair dryer helps remove stubborn stains glass and plastic adhesive labels. You can also remove address labels from cardboard boxes. Very useful for reusing after purchasing on eBay or Vinted.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Get ready for the return of Family Mario Kart tournaments – can you avoid defeat?

I I’m dying. I found some life expectancy calculators online that put me at either extremes of 84 or 54, and I’m turning 55 in December, so I’m worried. I’m running out of time to do the things I dream of doing: seeing Machu Picchu, finding a good vegan sausage, beating the kids at Mario Kart again.

The cats were our family’s favorite pastime, but when they began to gleefully slaughter me, I was forced to exact a petty revenge: take what they loved and secretly donate it to a charity shop. They still miss them to this day.

When they got Mario Kart 8, I called it a day, saying I was done with that childish stuff. But with death looming in the months or decades to come, I spent a week training to get to the top again.

The game has thousands of characters now. In addition to various versions of the original characters, there’s Kamek, a mysterious stranger known only as the Villager, and some totally random people, though I’m not sure who Pauline is. Glen Powell is probably in there somewhere, too; he’s been in everything else lately.

This was my first time handling the Switch OLED, and it’s a fragile little thing the size of a 1970s sandwich, with a recessed on/off button that requires tweezers — this is not a machine made for big fingers.

But those bloated fingers still have the skill. I tell my oldest daughter that she is easily passing the 50cc and 100cc levels. She says to me, “That’s amazing, Dad. As long as you do your best, that’s all you can do.” She smiles, but her eyes are not smiling. “Remember, Dad… Rainbow Road.”

Destroyer of dreams…Rainbow Road from Mario Kart Tour. Photo: Nintendo

I broke out in a cold sweat. That song destroyed dreams. It drove me crazy. It mocked my sense of depth.

On day two, I dominated Rainbow Road in the 100cc Star Cup and racked up wins like a pro. With perfect drift boost timing, I won four Grand Prix in one day. The menu music felt like something straight out of a “comedy” cop movie where one of Kevins (Hart or James) chases someone through a cake factory and comes out covered in icing, but it got the joy flowing in my old plaque covered veins.

I was surprised that I never went off course. Steering assist on…oh my gosh. This is like when my wife found out I was playing Horizon Zero Dawn on “Story” difficulty.

Without steering assist it’s a whole different story. The 150cc Star Road is the exact same nightmare as before. I hate this track, it’s like something out of a Gaspar Noe movie. 4 hours of practice on Friday gave me a stress rash on my face. My wife asks me why I yelled “Forget you, Lady Rosaline!”

On Saturdays, I go out drinking under pressure.

The Sunday of the Diamond Family Grand Prix arrives. My wife is called in to work. It’s a shame because she loses easily. “Are you good at Mario Kart?” I ask my son’s girlfriend.

“Not really,” she replied.

“Perfect,” I announced. “You’re player number four.”

My son plays shirtless because he doesn’t want to get his work shirt dirty, but it’s clearly an act of power, so I take my shirt off too. I have more hair and tattoos than he does. Nice try, son.

The controllers are the bigger problem. I’ve practiced with two Joy-Cons welded together into a single device, but with four players, each person shrinking one Joy-Con to the size of an inflated Mars bar and the shoulder buttons deforming into staple-sized flakes, my hands are twisted into unnatural shapes, and within minutes I’m in pain like I’m not feeling arthritis in 20 years.

This game is Should Play Mario Kart 8 on Nintendo Switch. Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images (Courtesy of Nintendo of America)

There are other oddities too: My guy (Dry Bones, chosen to reflect one of my many ailments) keeps veering off to the right.

“What the hell is wrong with my controls?” I exclaim, in seventh place.

“The controller is drifting,” my son says.

“why?”

“Because it’s Nintendo.”

I’d completely forgotten about this. Just like the shoulder buttons on an Xbox controller start to wear out after a year, Nintendo controllers also drift. Good thing Nintendo can’t control the Mars Rover buggy, or it would just be spinning around in circles.

“You’ll get used to it, Dad.”

He does. I don’t.

I finished the Grand Prix in third place behind my son and the number one kid. The number one kid is a really good gamer. I asked her how she was so good. “Hmm. Autism, Dad!” she replied.

I demand a rematch, in which Number 1 Child must use a drift controller.

I get even worse. My son’s girlfriend is hitting on me. She is the sweetest, kindest, most respectful girl in the world, the kind of girl I would dream of giving to my son. But she Now he cries as if it were his own child. What a terrible child.

Miraculously (that is, thanks to me firing off an armada of blue shells), I overtook the number one kid in the final race and won. She still won the grand prize, but I proved I could still win. I did a loud, incredibly complicated victory dance and then booked myself in for a massage to fix my twisted, claw-like hands.

My elderly father still has some life left in him.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Small Adjustments to Your Daily Routine to Avoid Cognitive Decline

Cognitive decline is characterized by a decrease in memory, concentration, and thinking abilities. It is common for individuals to experience increased forgetfulness as they age, such as forgetting names or items they intended to purchase.

However, a more frequent occurrence of these symptoms could indicate cognitive impairment, where cognitive function declines faster than expected due to aging. This can be concerning for both the individual experiencing the symptoms and their loved ones.

Common signs of cognitive impairment include:

  • Forgetting important dates and events
  • Losing track of thoughts
  • Feeling overwhelmed by decision-making and planning
  • Difficulty navigating familiar places
  • Becoming impulsive

While cognitive abilities naturally decline with age, the extent and speed of decline vary among individuals and are influenced by genetics and family history. Therefore, two people with similar age-related brain changes may perform differently on cognitive tasks, and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may exhibit similar cognitive abilities but different brain changes.

What can you do now to prevent cognitive decline?

Building cognitive reserve through experiences like education, occupation, and stimulating activities can help individuals cope with age-related changes. Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and social interactions also play a role in cognitive health.

Health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and vascular disease can worsen cognitive decline, but lifestyle changes can help manage or prevent these conditions.

  • Eat a balanced diet with plenty of leafy greens
  • Stay active
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Avoid tobacco products
Eating a nutritious, balanced diet, with plenty of leafy and dark green vegetables, can help keep you healthy both physically and mentally. – Image credit: Getty

Making positive changes in one area of your life can have ripple effects on other aspects of health. Unhealthy habits can create a chain reaction of negative health outcomes, while healthy choices can improve overall well-being.

Habits to avoid

A high-fat diet can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cognitive impairment, while smoking can impact lung capacity and cognitive function. By adopting a low-fat diet and avoiding tobacco products, individuals can reduce their risk of cognitive decline.

While we may not be able to prevent cognitive decline entirely, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help build cognitive reserve and potentially slow the decline. Research is ongoing to uncover more about the factors influencing cognitive health.

Aim for an overall healthier lifestyle

In addition to diet and exercise, engaging in social and sexual activities can benefit cognitive health. Social interactions can stimulate the brain and slow cognitive decline, while maintaining romantic and intimate relationships may improve cognitive function.

Stimulating activities like reading, playing games, or learning new skills can also help prevent cognitive decline. Gender differences in cognitive lifestyle choices may influence cognitive outcomes, highlighting the importance of varied activities for cognitive health.

Get a good night’s sleep

Sleep plays a crucial role in cognitive function, with adequate rest linked to better cognitive outcomes. Napping and getting around eight hours of sleep nightly can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Quality sleep is essential for focus, creativity, and decision-making, while sleep deprivation can negatively impact physical and cognitive health. Establishing good sleep habits is key to maintaining cognitive function as we age.

Regular dental checkups can help prevent cognitive decline

Research suggests that gum disease bacteria may be linked to Alzheimer’s and dementia development, emphasizing the importance of oral health for cognitive well-being. By practicing good oral hygiene and seeking regular dental care, individuals can potentially reduce their risk of cognitive decline.

While there is no miracle cure for cognitive decline, taking proactive steps to improve overall health can slow the rate of decline associated with aging. It’s crucial to address any concerns about cognitive function with a healthcare provider to explore potential treatment options.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Your brain is naturally inclined to avoid exercise: The science behind it.

Humans are not the fastest or strongest species. We have no wings, fangs, claws, poison, or armor. Physically, we are primarily controlled by nature.

However, the words “run the same way'' are ironic. This is because humans physically dominate all other species in one area: long-distance running. Thanks to our bipedalism and unique sweat glands, humans can continue running long after other species have collapsed from exhaustion.

Humans have evolved to train their bodies, or exercise, over long periods of time. But while many people actually enjoy exercise, they're in the minority (as evidenced by uncrowded gyms and abandoned New Year's resolutions in mid-February).

So why doesn't everyone enjoy exercise, even though we've evolved to do so? It’s because of the mysterious complexity of the human brain.Evolving abilities does not automatically evolve want to use it. Armored creatures do not want to be actively attacked.

Although physical exercise is not that Bad, but still usually unpleasant and uncomfortable. It must be so. You end up pushing your body to its physical limits, which leads to significant discomfort. There are limits for a reason.



What does the brain think about exercise?

Another problem is that the human brain is extremely sensitive to wasted effort. Research has shown that the insular cortex contains dedicated circuitry. Calculate the effort required for an action – They are there to ask “Is it worth it?”

This is a trend that evolved to prevent us from wasting vital resources on pointless endeavors, such as walking 20 miles to buy a handful of berries.

However, regular exercise to “get in shape” requires constant and great effort. It's all about gradual progress and uncertain rewards (it's impossible to guarantee success in advance). In other words, your brain tends to ask, “Is it worth it?” It would be difficult to keep quiet.

This trait also means that we typically prefer things that give us the most reward with the least amount of effort. So we choose the path of least resistance, stick to our routine, and stay in our comfort zone.

Starting to exercise means changing everything for an uncertain result. To keep us safe, our brains typically tend to value risk over reward, making us more reluctant to engage in physically demanding activities.

read more:

So while our bodies may be adapted to continuous exercise, our brains are adapted to avoid it in many ways. And we have built a world for ourselves where avoiding physical activity is a viable option.

Thankfully, the human brain is an incredibly complex organ, so there are some metaphorical tricks up your sleeve. Most obviously, it is not dominated by more primitive and direct instincts and impulses. Many species' thought processes are limited to “Food, eat!”, “Danger, run!”, “Pain, avoid!”, but we have evolved beyond that.

The human brain is capable of forming multiple long-term goals and ambitions. We are rarely satisfied with just day-to-day survival. We simply simulate a desired future scenario, figure out how to achieve it, and then…do it. Or at least strive towards it.

This directly affects how our brains process motivation and willpower in many interesting ways. First, it allows you to delay gratification. In other words, you will realize that it is important to refuse the reward now. Can lead to bigger rewards later, and act accordingly.

In this case, eating four bags of potato chips as a family while watching TV is fun in the moment, but going to the gym will make you fitter, stronger, and fitter later on.

And then there's the “just world” fallacy. Here we assume the world is fair and that is what makes us believe. research shows this – No matter how much suffering you suffer, it will always lead to reward. As the saying goes, no pain, no gain.

How the brain increases motivation

So how does the brain process all these different motivations? Self-contradiction theory suggests that we have multiple “selves” active in our minds at any given time. The “real” self, the “ideal” self, and the “ideal” self.

Your “actual” self is your current state, or how you are right now. Your “ideal self” is yourself. want Something to do. And your “ideal” self is one that does whatever it takes to become your “ideal” self.you do what you do should What I'm doing. In other words, if your “ideal” self is a professional soccer player and your “real” self is not, then the “ideal” you is someone who has to train, exercise, and train a lot to get better at soccer. It's someone who spends their time.

This is just one framework for how motivation works when it comes to physical exercise. Of course, there are many other factors that play an important role, such as time constraints, body image, and ease of movement.

However, as far as the brain is concerned, there are processes that prevent movement and processes that promote movement. Ideally, you'll end up focusing more on the latter than the former. Also, moving weights is a classic exercise, so it's a good idea to start somewhere.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Avoid These Tech Gifts for Family and Friends This Holiday Season

It’s the season Going a little overboard with gift-giving. But this year, give yourself the gift of great security (and privacy) and avoid technologies that may introduce unwanted risks or consequences. We are not talking about things that explode in the night or suddenly break, but rather gifts that can have irrevocable or lasting consequences in the future. This year has seen several major hacks involving healthcare and genetic data, and consumer surveillance technology is becoming more commonplace to spy on unsuspecting people. everyone, an ongoing unscrupulous data operation that sells personal information to those who want to buy it. The best solution to this problem is to not get involved in the first place. We have many gift ideas for you to consider.

Things to avoid…

  • Genetic testing kits like 23andMe can have permanent and unexpected results
  • Video door phone to see and hear all
  • VPNs do not maintain your anonymity but may expose your web data
  • Tracking your kids with dangerous location tracking apps is a terrible idea
  • Cheap knock-off Android tablets can hide malware
  • For practical safety, avoid sex toys connected to the internet

Genetic testing is forever. Once you spit it into the tube and send it on its way, there’s no way to get it back. And it’s not just genes that are being digitized. You will also be sharing your genes with your immediate family and relatives. What could go wrong? This year, the profiles and genetic information of millions of 23andMe customers were removed from the company’s systems in what is believed to be the largest genetic data breach in recent years. But 23andMe is not the first victim of a data breach, nor will it be the last. Even if security isn’t a concern, the fact that these companies store large amounts of highly sensitive information to begin with makes them attractive targets for law enforcement trying to solve crimes. It becomes. And while companies like 23andMe and Ancestry have – in the past emphatically – resisted law enforcement efforts to access DNA data pursuant to transparency reports, other companies have Principle of laissez faire Approaches to accessing genetic data held by police. Jason Koebler of 404 Media I couldn’t have said it any better.: “Doing 23andMe is an irreversible act that can have unintended consequences not only for yourself, but also for your family and future descendants.”

Video door phone to see and hear all

While there may be some benefit to seeing who’s at your front door before they get there, the long-term effects of installing a video camera on your front door open up a world of surveillance to your neighborhood. You or your neighbors may be watching. Not comfortable. doorbell video recording all They use cameras and microphones to see and listen, and send the recorded footage to the cloud for later viewing. However, as a result, that footage is often also available to law enforcement and can be highly intrusive, especially if: Police obtained footage from inside the home without the owner’s permission. End-to-end encrypted (E2EE) cameras offer maximum privacy (assuming that’s the company you bought the camera from). Not lying about encryption claims) to ensure that no one other than the owner (including the company itself) can access their footage. This is a good thing, especially since companies like Ring have been fined in the past for letting their employees snoop on customers’ unencrypted videos. After resolving the charges with federal regulators, Ring now says: Staff will only access customer footage in “very limited circumstances.” Of course, Ring hasn’t said what those situations will be.

VPNs do not maintain your anonymity but may expose your web data

If you think a VPN (Virtual Private Network) will keep you anonymous on the Internet, think again. Consumer-grade VPNs hide your IP address (a series of numbers that identify you to other devices on the Internet) and make it appear as if you’re in the area, typically You can claim to allow access to blocked streaming shows. In reality, VPN providers have a negative impact on your privacy and should be avoided like the plague. A VPN allows you to divert all your internet traffic away from your internet provider and instead route it through a VPN provider that ostensibly hides your privacy. Internet traffic may include information about which websites you visit and when, and may include highly sensitive information such as passwords and other credentials. However, some VPN providers don’t even encrypt the user’s data flowing over their network, despite claiming to do so. VPN providers need to make money just like any other provider. Free her VPN providers are by far the worst offenders, as they make money by selling or sharing your internet traffic to advertisers (or other unscrupulous buyers). Even for premium or paid services, anonymity cannot be guaranteed if you are paying with a traceable method such as a credit card. If you want anonymity online, you may want to use the Tor browser. It’s slower than the typical public internet and not ideal for streaming video, but it’s a compromise you have to make to ensure maximum privacy. Otherwise, you run the risk of your VPN selling or exfiltrating your sensitive internet traffic. Also, if a VPN is right for your use case, at least consider setting up a VPN to run yourself.

Tracking your kids with dangerous location tracking apps is a terrible idea

We can all understand the stress and fear of having children in an age of stranger danger and online harm. No wonder many parents want to track the location of their children’s phones. But child tracking apps are a thorny security and privacy issue, and the data they collect rarely remains on the device. Location data is some of the most sensitive data belonging to individuals. Location information can determine where someone was at a particular time, which can be highly revealing and invasive. But for years, we’ve reported on leaked location-sharing apps that expose people’s real-time location data, as well as nefarious and buggy “stalkerware” apps that leak information to everyone on the internet. Even one of his well-known family tracking apps, Life360, was busted Sell ​​your precise location data to a data broker. There’s no reason not to discuss the benefits and pitfalls of tracking children. and your children. The key is trust, not stealth tracking. If your child consents to sharing their location, consider using the Family app or parental control apps built into most modern cell phones. Google also has Family Link, which allows Apple devices to share their end-to-end encrypted location with other Apple users, making it inaccessible to others.

Cheap knock-off Android tablets can hide malware

Cheaper isn’t always better, and Android devices are no exception. Case in point: earlier this year, EFF’s girlfriend Alexis Hancock discovered that her low-cost Android tablet given to her daughter had been shipped preloaded with software that appeared to be malware. This tablet also ran her Android software, which was released five years ago, but the app store designed for kids was also outdated. Hancock contacted the tablet manufacturer, but received no response. It’s tempting to buy a cheap device, but it’s not uncommon for manufacturers to include software for financial rebates to offset the price of the device itself. In some cases, preloaded software can send back data about the device or its user, or worse, have security bugs that can put the device’s data at risk. You may be able to recover your counterfeit tablet before you throw it away. Hancock has A great guide on how to protect your child’s Android device.

For practical safety, avoid sex toys connected to the internet

Last but certainly not least. There is a general belief in cybersecurity that any device or gadget that adds an internet connection is significantly more likely to be hacked, compromised, or tampered with remotely. One device that should not be connected to the internet is one inside your body. We’ve seen our fair share of horror stories about internet-connected sex toys. In 2020, we reported on smart chastity locks with security bugs that risked permanent lock-in. And this year, another smart sex toy maker exposed its customers’ user and location data due to a leaked server, but the company has yet to fix the issue. If your sex toy includes a phone app, there’s a good chance that the toy (or the app itself) could leak personal data, either by mistake or by sharing data with advertisers. It’s okay to be a pervert, no criticism here! However, if you absolutely must use a remote-controlled sex toy, consider a device that only has a

Source: techcrunch.com